University District/Roosevelt

Just a few blocks from the University of Washington campus, University Way--he Ave, as it’s commonly called—has been an off-campus haven for many UW students since the 1940s. Now, five years after undergoing a wide streetscape makeover that replaced The Ave's infrastructure, businesses are making a comeback, drawing Seattleites of all ages in search of eclectic finds, especially the section between 43rd and 50th streets. Whether you're looking for trendy vintage fashion, a hard-to-find title at the mainstay University Book Store or hoping to grab some international fare, be it tortellini or Thai, you’ll find it on The Ave. Seattelites (and often the post-collegiate crowd) are also drawn to the nearby Roosevelt district, known for its electic and laid-back vibe. The streets are lined with storefronts touting the merits of meditation, massage, astrology, yoga and other alternative practices, in addition to quiet cafés, restaurants and shops.